PLAN YOUR VISIT:
Reservations | Cheaha
Activities & Events | Cheaha
PARK ADMISSIONS - DAY VISITORS
(includes admission to Mountain Park and Lake Recreation Area)
- Age 0-3: Free
- Age 4-11: $2
- 12 and older: $5
- Senior citizens age 62 and older: $2 with ID
- Parks for Patriots: Veterans and Active Military: Free with ID
ANNUAL PASSES FOR CHEAHA STATE PARK (not valid at other State Parks)
- Senior and Disability Passes: $55
- Individual Pass 12 & Older: $105
- Family Pass up to 6: $155
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Discover the beauty of Alabama's highest point on an island in the sky! Cheaha Resort State Park, located on the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain, is Alabama's oldest park (est. 1933) and is considered by many to be one of the most unique parks in the nation. Imagine 2,799 acres of granite boulders and wind-warped ancient trees at 2,407 feet above sea level, often above the clouds, and surrounded by 392,567 acres of the Talladega National Forest, including 7,245 acres of Cheaha Wilderness.
Cheaha State Park seems far removed from civilization; however, it is only 30 minutes from several historic downtowns (Oxford, Heflin, Anniston, Talladega, Lineville, Munford, and Ashland) packed with shopping, dining, cultural arts, and recreational opportunities. Three main routes lead to Cheaha State Park. The park recommends the Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama Highway 281), which is well-maintained, wide, and easy to drive with large recreational vehicles. AL Hwy 49 is also a great route that connects to AL Hwy 281.
The scenic "road less traveled" is Cheaha Road (County Road 42) from Munford, AL, which winds its way through the Talladega National Forest with curves, roadside brambles, and uneven asphalt. Cheaha Road is a picturesque route through the forest; however, since it is not a refined road, the park does not recommend it for large recreational vehicles.
ACCOMMODATIONS
In addition to rock cabins and A-frame chalets, Cheaha offers improved camping in the park, primitive camping near the highest point, and CCC primitive camping near Cheaha Lake. Groups enjoy Cheaha's historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge, which has 12 bedrooms/baths with a beautiful grand hall for retreats, weddings, family reunions, meetings, and more! The old Cheaha Hotel has been torn down, along with the pool and much of the restaurant building, but we are building a NEW hotel, opening in 2026.
Use this park map to help you make your plans.
Alabama State Parks Rules and Regulations
Insider Tips for Overnight Guests
Driving Directions to Cheaha State Park
THE MOUNTAIN STORE AND MORE
The Mountain Store has snacks, camp fare, quick meal options, and an on-site microwave. Grills and picnic tables are found throughout the park. The Reservations Desk is also inside the Mountain Store, so if you are staying overnight, this will be your first stop. If you are camping with us and have received your camping gate code, please return to the Mountain Store after you set up camp to check in.
Mountain Store hours
November 18 - March 1: Sun-Thurs 8 am to 5 pm, and Fri/Sat 8 am to 9 pm
March 2 - November 17: Sun - Thurs 8 am to 7 pm, and Fri/Sat 8 am to 9 pm
Park admission may be paid at the Store if the Park gate is closed.
Cheaha State Park has no restaurant, but several dining options are within 12-24 miles.
If you have questions, please get in touch with our Cheaha State Park Manager at Cheaha.StatePark@dcnr.alabama.gov.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Cheaha State Park is only thirty minutes from several historic downtown tourism locations, such as Heflin, Oxford, Ashland, Lineville, Munford, and Talladega. Cheaha State Park is located almost halfway between Birmingham, AL, and Atlanta, GA. The Native American "Creek" nation named it in the Muskogee language; Cheaha means "high place." Cheaha State Park is truly a magnificent Alabama destination with a lake, a dog park, accessible and extreme trails, museums, and more!
Nearby attractions include Talladega National Forest, Pinhoti Trail, Cheaha Wilderness Area, Chief Ladiga Rails to Trails Bike Route (joins the Silver Comet in Atlanta), Coldwater Mountain Biking Trails, Historic Downtown Heflin, Wine Tasting Trail, Choccolocco Park, Freedom Riders Park, Oxford Center for the Performing Arts, Talladega Super Speedway, Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure, and historic Kymulga Grist Mill Covered Bridge and Park.
Use the ADCNR Interactive Map to learn more about the Alabama State Parks
